Texas judge denies Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial

A retired Texas district judge on Saturday denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial, keeping his murder conviction and 35-year prison term in force. Judge Michael Chitty said his decision was based on a review of the motion, the court record, evidence, briefs and relevant case law, though the order did not detail his reasoning.

The ruling allows Anthony's appeal to move forward in the direct-appeal process. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said his office expected the outcome and expressed confidence in the verdict, adding that the jury's guilty finding stands.

The new-trial hearing stemmed from disputes over an oral agreement between Anthony's original defense team and prosecutors concerning the use of potentially damaging character evidence. Former defense attorneys testified that they believed the agreement would permit Anthony to testify without opening the door to that evidence, while prosecutors argued the agreement did not cover a defendant taking the stand. The disagreement, they said, contributed to Anthony's decision not to testify.

Judge Chitty also considered arguments that courtroom restrictions and jury instructions may have infringed on Anthony's Sixth Amendment rights, but ultimately rejected the motion.